--- title: "Best Curtains for Summer | Cooling & Heat-Blocking Options" description: "How to choose the best curtains for summer. Compare cooling fabrics, thermal options, and light-filtering styles to keep your home comfortable." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Best Curtains for Summer | Cooling & Heat-Blocking Options", "description": "How to choose the best curtains for summer. Compare cooling fabrics, thermal options, and light-filtering styles to keep your home comfortable.", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Linen Chest" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "How to Pick the Best Curtains for Summer?", "description": "How to choose the best curtains for summer. Compare cooling fabrics, thermal options, and light-filtering styles to keep your home comfortable.", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Laura Downs" }, "datePublished": "2025-08-01", "image": "https://www.linenchest.com/media/magefan_blog/bedroom_summer_curtain_blown_770x436.jpg", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Custom Window Coverings" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Learning Center", "item": "/learn" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "How to Pick the Best Curtains for Summer?" } ] } ] --- **Spring Sale:** 20% OFF all custom blinds & drapery fabrics + $100 Gift Card for every $1,000 spent! Ends April 30, 2026. [Claim Offer →](/booking) Menu [![Linen Chest — Proudly Canadian](/assets/LC_Logo_EN_Desktop-CnGRXV9J.svg)](/)![Over 1 million blinds installed in Canada](/assets/canada-badge-DmtoqskL.svg) Blinds & Shades [Shutters](/shades)[Draperies](/en_ca/custom-window-coverings/drapery)[Learning Center](/learn) [1-855-786-7354 ](tel:1-855-786-7354)EN · FR [Get a Free Quote Get a Free Quote ](/booking) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Learning Center](/learn) 3. How to Pick the Best Curtains for Summer? Buying Guides # How to Pick the Best Curtains for Summer? When temperatures rise, curtains can help cool your home, reduce glare, and create a light, airy atmosphere. Here's how to choose summer curtains. Laura Downs August 1, 2025 8 min read ![Picture of a white summer curtain in a bedroom](https://www.linenchest.com/media/magefan_blog/bedroom_summer_curtain_blown_770x436.jpg) ## Why You Need Summer-Specific Curtains Not all curtains are made with summer in mind. As the weather warms up, your window treatments can play a big role in how your home looks and feels. Here are a few good reasons to use cooling curtains for summer: - **Reduce indoor temperatures** – Summer curtains, especially those with thermal or blackout properties, help block heat from entering your space, keeping rooms cooler without overworking your fan or AC. - **Lower energy bills** – The best thermal or heat-blocking curtains help maintain a stable indoor temperature by reducing heat gain. This means less energy is used for cooling and lower utility costs over time. - **Block harsh sunlight** – Intense midday sun can cause glare and fade your furniture. Summer blackout curtains or light-filtering options soften incoming light, protecting your space while keeping it bright and welcoming. - **Enhance summer décor** – Swapping in summer curtains is an easy way to refresh a room. Lightweight fabrics and breezy colours instantly make your space feel more airy and summery. ## Best Fabrics for Summer Curtains Lightweight, breathable curtain materials help you stay cool while still giving your space that soft, finished look. Here are the best summer curtains to keep heat out: - **Linen** – Naturally breathable and moisture-wicking. Linen curtains drape beautifully, add texture, and help keep rooms feeling light and airy, even on the hottest days. - **Cotton** – Cotton curtains are soft, versatile, and easy to care for. They offer a casual, relaxed look and work well in living spaces and bedrooms. - **Sheer** – Ideal for layered looks and can soften harsh sunlight without darkening the room. Sheer curtains let natural light flow in while gently diffusing glare. - **Blackout or thermal** – Not just for winter, these curtains help block sunlight and reduce heat buildup. Thermal curtains for summer are lined to insulate against outdoor temperatures, keeping your rooms cooler and more comfortable throughout the day. ## Features to Look For Once you've chosen the right fabric, it's time to focus on the features that make summer curtains even more effective. These extras can enhance comfort, convenience, and long-term performance: - **UV protection** – Curtains with built-in UV protection help prevent fading on your floors and furniture, which is especially important in rooms that get full sun exposure. - **Thermal lining** – A thermal lining adds an insulating layer that works in both summer and winter. In warmer months, it helps reflect heat away from your windows, making thermal curtains for summer a smart investment. - **Light-filtering vs. room-darkening** – Decide how much light you want to let in. Light-filtering curtains create a soft glow and are ideal for shared spaces, while room-darkening or summer blackout curtains are better for bedrooms and media rooms. - **Easy to clean or machine washable** – Warmer months often mean more dust, pollen, and humidity. Choose curtains that are easy to wash and maintain. ## Room-by-Room Recommendations Different rooms have different needs, especially in summer. Here's how to choose the best curtains for summer based on where they'll hang: - **Living room** – Let the sunlight in while keeping glare out. Light-filtering or sheer curtains strike a nice balance, softening harsh rays while still brightening your space. They also add a breezy, elegant feel that suits open-concept or casual living areas. - **Bedroom** – Prioritize sleep and comfort with blackout or thermal curtains. These help block early morning light and trap less heat, making your bedroom cooler and more restful. - **Summer house or cottage** – Go for breezy fabrics like linen or cotton in pale hues, soft prints, or coastal-inspired styles. These lightweight options are easy to clean and instantly make the space feel relaxed and vacation-ready. ## Bonus: Do Thermal Curtains Work in Summer? Yes, thermal curtains for summer absolutely work. While they're often marketed for winter, thermal curtains are just as useful for summer. These curtains work year-round by creating a barrier between your room and the window. In summer, they help: - Reflect sunlight - Reduce heat transfer - Maintain cooler indoor temps So, if you're wondering, do curtains keep heat out? They do! Especially when they're lined and made with insulating materials. ## What to Avoid When Choosing Summer Curtains Even the prettiest curtains can work against you in summer if they're not suited for the season. - **Avoid heavy fabrics** like velvet or thick polyester that trap heat and dust. - **Skip dark colours** in sun-drenched rooms—they absorb heat. - **Watch for bulky layers** unless you're using them strategically for insulation. - **Don't forget versatility.** Dual-purpose options like light-filtering + thermal curtains are great investments. ## Ready to refresh your windows? Explore our collection of ready-made curtains and custom window treatments to find your perfect summer match. Whether you're looking to cool down your bedroom, brighten a summer cottage, or upgrade your living room style, we've got options that combine comfort, function, and design. ## Ready to Upgrade Your Window Coverings? Our specialists can help you choose the perfect blinds, shades, or drapery for your home. Book a free consultation and get expert advice tailored to your space. [Book a Free Consultation](/booking)[Contact a Specialist](/contact) Curtains Summer Cooling Thermal Light Filtering In This Article 1. [1\. Why You Need Summer-Specific Curtains](#why-summer-curtains) 2. [2\. Best Fabrics for Summer Curtains](#best-fabrics) 3. [3\. Features to Look For](#features) 4. [4\. Room-by-Room Recommendations](#room-by-room) 5. [5\. Bonus: Do Thermal Curtains Work in Summer?](#thermal-curtains-summer) 6. [6\. What to Avoid When Choosing Summer Curtains](#what-to-avoid) 7. [7\. Ready to refresh your windows?](#ready-to-refresh) ### Related Articles [ Buying Guides ### Curtain Sizes Guide: How to Choose the Right Curtain Length September 23, 2025 12 min read ](/learn/curtain-sizes-guide)[ Product Education ### Curtain Opacity 101: Finding the Right Light for Your Space May 7, 2025 6 min read ](/learn/curtain-opacity)[ Product Education ### A Guide to Curtain Pleat Styles: Choosing the Perfect Look for Your Windows May 7, 2025 7 min read ](/learn/curtain-pleat-styles-guide) ## Ready to Transform Your Windows? Book a free consultation and our specialists will help you choose the perfect custom blinds, shades, or drapery for your home. [Book a Free Consultation](/booking)[Take the Product Finder Quiz](/quiz) Expert advice · Professional measurement · Installation available [![Linen Chest](/assets/LC_Logo_EN_Desktop-CnGRXV9J.svg)](/) Custom blinds, shades, and drapery with expert consultation, professional measurement, and installation across Canada. [1-855-786-7354](tel:1-855-786-7354) [info@linenchest.com](mailto:info@linenchest.com) English | Français ### Window Coverings - [Custom Window Coverings](/) - [Blinds & Shades](/blinds) - [Sheer Shades](/shades) - [Roller Shades](/shades) - [Zebra Shades](/shades) - [Cellular Shades](/shades) - [Roman Shades & Woven Blinds](/blinds) - [Wood Blinds](/blinds) - [Vertical Blinds & Shades](/blinds) - [Draperies](/drapery) - [Motorization & Smart Blinds](/blinds) ### Services - [Book a Free Consultation](/booking) - [In-Home Consultation](/booking) - [Virtual Consultation](/booking) - [Professional Measurement](/booking) - [Installation Services](/booking) - [Product Finder Quiz](/quiz) - [FAQ](/faq) - [Contact Us](/contact) - [Affiliate Program](/en_ca/custom-window-coverings-affiliate-program) ### Learning Center - [Learning Center](/learn) - [Buying Guides](/learn) - [Product Education](/learn) - [Room-by-Room Guides](/learn) - [Design Inspiration](/inspiration) - [Compare Window Coverings](/learn) - [Blinds vs Shades](/learn) - [Motorized Blinds Guide](/learn) ### Service Areas - [Montreal](/custom-window-coverings/montreal) - [Laval](/custom-window-coverings/laval) - [Toronto](/custom-window-coverings/toronto) - [Ottawa](/custom-window-coverings/ottawa) - [Quebec City](/custom-window-coverings/quebec-city) Not sure which option is right for you? [Take our Product Finder Quiz](/quiz) or [book a free consultation](/booking). Free Expert Consultation Professional Measurement Certified Installation Premium Brands Financing Available Warranty Support © 2026 Linen Chest. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy)[Terms of Use](/terms-of-use)[Accessibility](/accessibility)[Sitemap](/sitemap)